[Start人] Itgreen "Would You Like to Try Delivery Containers Free from Environmental Hormones and Carbon Concerns?"

Interview with Lee Jun-hyung, CEO of Itgreen
Expansion of Reusable Container Service 'Returnit'

"There may be people who have never used it, but there is no one who has used it only once. Especially, salad restaurant owners have responded that they 'waited a long time.' There have been quite a few requests from vegan customers who care about the environment," said Lee Jun-hyung, CEO of It Green, who has been piloting a reusable container service for delivery food since last month (photo).

He explained, "I was surprised by the reactions of consumers and restaurant owners." Recently, he signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the delivery application Yogiyo and Seoul City to expand the use of reusable containers and is conducting a pilot service until January next year. By selecting the reusable container category in the Yogiyo app, customers can receive food in stainless steel reusable containers instead of disposable plastic containers.

Currently, more than 50 restaurants located in Gangnam and Seocho districts of Seoul have introduced reusable containers, and consumers can use the service by paying an additional fee of 500 won. After eating, customers simply cover the lid like returning a jjajangmyeon bowl and leave it at the collection point. About 30% of orders from these restaurants have chosen reusable containers, showing high early response.

In particular, the power of customers actively using reusable containers even by paying extra fees was significant. The number of customers has steadily increased from 20 on the first day of service to more than 120 now. CEO Lee said, "The preference is very high among office workers and single-person households who have difficulties dealing with leftover delivery food," adding, "There are also housewives who say it is good because they can eat with their children without worrying about environmental hormones." He added, "Restaurants that decide to introduce reusable containers should receive benefits to increase participation and improve awareness of the environment."

Lee Jun-hyung, CEO of Itgreen

In addition to the Yogiyo app, reusable containers are provided upon consumer request during dine-in and delivery orders at stores located in the Dosijubang Yeoksam branch, a kitchen platform operated by the delivery startup Barogo. They are considering expanding the 'Return It' service for delivery containers to other delivery platforms in the future.

Sales mainly occur in the B2B (business-to-business) sector. They collaborate with about 30 companies, including Samsung Welstory and Lotte GRS, providing the Return It service. Especially, collaborating companies receive ESG reports based on the use of services such as reusable container lunchboxes, allowing them to see environmental performance at a glance. To minimize environmental pollution throughout the business, two electric trucks and five electric motorcycles handle container delivery and collection. Collected reusable containers undergo a total of nine-step processes at a cleaning hub in Seolleung to ensure hygiene management.

CEO Lee said, "In line with the With Corona era, we are also discussing ways to reduce disposable waste from sports stadiums and movie theaters," and predicted, "If we establish a collection system and logistics network and connect it with the carbon credit business, the reusable container market could expand comprehensively."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.